97/ 100
STERLING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
9601 CHINA GROVE CHURCH RD, Pineville, NC 28134
School Building · NC permit/State ID 2060440292
Latest result97 / 100
Last inspectedMar 30, 2026
Inspections on record12
On record sinceMar 27, 2014
Score history
Mar 27, 2014Higher is betterMar 30, 2026
Inspections & violations
Mar 30, 2026 97 / 100 · 1 violation
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −30
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410. Observed sticky floors and strong urine smell in boys bathrooms throughout school. Keep clean.
Mar 25, 2025 94 / 100 · 2 violations
#4 · TOILET FACILITIES: Walls and ceilings clean, nonabsorbent, washable, and in good repair 30#; fixtures clean and in good repair 40#; floors impervious, kept clean 30# (.2408) −30
Walls and ceilings of toilet facilities shall be constructed of non-absorbent, washable materials and shall be kept clean. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (b). Observed tiles missing from wall to floor edging in upstairs end of hall bathroom. Observed baseboards peeling from walls in boys mobile bathroom. Needs repair. REPEAT
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −30
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410. Observed stained ceiling tiles in art room and various classrooms on first floor and in mobile MC927. Repair/replace. REPEAT
Mar 25, 2024 93 / 100 · 4 violations
Inspector comments: No points deducted.
Toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (d). Observed build up in toilet fixtures in trailer. Water had been turned off last week and bathrooms closed for repairs.
#4 · TOILET FACILITIES: Walls and ceilings clean, nonabsorbent, washable, and in good repair 30#; fixtures clean and in good repair 40#; floors impervious, kept clean 30# (.2408) −15
Walls and ceilings of toilet facilities shall be constructed of non-absorbent, washable materials and shall be kept clean. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (b). Observed tiles missing from wall to floor edging in upstairs end of hall bathroom. Observed damaged walls in boys mobile bathroom. Observed damaged wall near floor in girls mobile bathroom. Observed walls behind toilets peeling in B8 and B9. Needs repair.
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −15
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410. Observed stained ceiling tiles in classrooms on first floor and in mobile MC299. Needs to be checked for leaks and repaired.
#7 · STORAGE SPACES: Clean 20#; storage off floor 20# (.2411) −10
All storage shall be at least 15 inches above the floor or otherwise arranged so as to permit thorough cleaning. 15A NCAC 18A .2411. Observed storage on the floor and not arranged to permit thorough cleaning in art storage, gym storage, and on stage in gym. Needs to be 15 inches above the floor or arranged to permit thorough cleaning.
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b). Observed aerosols stored in unlocked teacher bathrooms on second floor. Need to lock bathrooms if chemicals are stored inside. Observed disinfectant wipes stored accessible to children in B18, B17, and C3. REPEAT.
Jan 23, 2023 95 / 100 · 2 violations
Inspector comments: Work orders have been called in due to leaks from rain day prior to inspection.
#3 · DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Clean and in good repair 40#; adequate pressure, properly regulated 40# (.2406) −20
Observed black residue on water fountain on Pre-K hall near restrooms.
Drinking fountains shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2406 (b).
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Observed Lysol spray, disinfectant spray, or wipes near entrance doors in B10, B11, and C14. Keep all hazardous items stored away from students. Follow storage instructions on product labels.
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
Jan 19, 2022 95.5 / 100 · 2 violations
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −15
Observed dust build up on various ceiling tiles in halls (ex. A hall gang restrooms). No escalation in points.
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410.
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Observed chlorox wipes on shelf in B2, Lysol spray on shelving in B2, chlorox wipes in open (empty) class C11, and chlorox wipes on desk in Ben Carson class (C1). Also observed women's restroom door open and can of febreeze on desk. Keep all hazardous items stored in a manner away from children. Suggest storing in a drawer or cabinet. Adhere to storage instructions on labels.
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
Feb 22, 2021 92.5 / 100 · 3 violations
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −30
Repeat: Observed push faucets with short run times. Regulate to provide a minimum of 15 second (20 seconds for Covid) run time to facilitate in proper handwashing.
Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b).
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −15
Observed stained ceiling tiles in classes. Repair issues and replace tiles.
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410.
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Repeat: Observed adult restrooms containing aerosol sprays with the doors open. Ensure all hazardous items are not accessible to the children.
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
Report emailed to: herbert.watts@cms.k12.nc.us; emily.miles@cms.k12.nc.us
Sep 30, 2019 90 / 100 · 3 violations
#3 · DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Clean and in good repair 40#; adequate pressure, properly regulated 40# (.2406) −40
Drinking fountains shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2406 (b). Observed several water fountains with pink buildup.
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −30
Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b).
Observed several spring loaded faucets not staying on for only 2, 3, & 6 seconds. Regulate to allow to run for a minimum of 15 seconds to facilitate in proper handwashing. ***Repeat***
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A
NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
Observed disinfectant wipes, cleaners, aerosol sprays, etc stored within reach of the students in several classes and open
adult restrooms. ***Repeat***
Jan 30, 2018 87.5 / 100 · 5 violations
#4 · TOILET FACILITIES: Walls and ceilings clean, nonabsorbent, washable, and in good repair 30#; fixtures clean and in good repair 40#; floors impervious, kept clean 30# (.2408) −15
-Observed cove base tiles off of the wall- Boy's upstairs restroom. Replace.
Walls and ceilings of toilet facilities shall be constructed of non-absorbent, washable materials and shall be kept clean. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (b).
-Observed a toilet out of order in the boy's upstairs restroom. Repair.
Toilet fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (d).
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −30
Repeat:
Observed several spring loaded faucets not staying on for 15 seconds. Regulate to allow to run for a minimum of 15 seconds to facilitate in proper handwashing.
Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b).
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −30
-Repeat: Observed stained ceiling tiles in the hall leading to the back playground and in the parent center.
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410.
#10 · SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL: Impervious, cleanable containers with lids, approved type 20*; clean and in good repair 20#; empties as needed, properly disposed of 40# (.2414) −20
Observed the dumpsters overflowing with trash and trash on the ground around it. Dump more often and clean ground.
Solid waste containers shall be kept clean, in good repair, and emptied when full, but not less than once a week. 15A NCAC 18A .2414 (b).
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Repeat: Observed disinfectant wipes, cleaners, aerosol sprays, etc stored within reach of the students in several classes and open adult restrooms.
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A
NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
Report emailed to emily.miles@cms.k12.nc.us & jeffrey.cox@cms.k12.nc.us
Sep 16, 2016 84 / 100 · 4 violations
Inspector comments: No Points Deducted:
4. Observed tissue wads on the ceilings of the boy's restroom (upstairs by "B" stairs)
Observed a missing ceiling tile in the boy's restroom (middle of the hall upstairs). Also, tissue wads on the ceiling of this restroom.
Walls and ceilings of toilet facilities shall be constructed of non-absorbent, washable materials and shall be kept clean. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (b).
8. Observed lights not working in the boy's restroom (upstairs "B" stairs side), the boy's restroom (upstairs-midway of the hall), MC1205 adult restroom, MC205, and the large custodial closet.
Mr. Reggie present during the inspection.
Report emailed to maryj.shirley@cms.k12.nc.us
#3 · DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Clean and in good repair 40#; adequate pressure, properly regulated 40# (.2406) −80
Repeats:
-Observed water fountains with high pressure (shooting over onto the floor).
-Observed pink and/or black buildup on and around the mouthpiece of multiple fountains (classes and halls).
Drinking fountains shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2406 (b).
Drinking fountains shall be provided with adequate water pressure and be properly regulated (i.e. water pressure should be regulated so that an individual’s mouth does not come in contact with the nozzle and so that the water does not splash on the floor). 15A NCAC 18A 2406 (b).
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −35
-Observed several spring loaded faucets not staying on for 15 seconds. Allow to run for a minimum of 15 seconds to facilitate in proper handwashing.
Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b).
-Observed no soap nor paper towels in the girl's MC1205 restroom.
Soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices shall be provided. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (c).
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −15
-Repeat: Observed stained ceiling tiles in an upstairs Flex room, B8, and B9.
-Observed the baseboards missing in MC205.
Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410.
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
-Repeat: Observed disinfectant wipes, cleaners, aerosol sprays, etc stored within reach of the students in several rooms.
Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
-Observed a large amount of ants in classes B9-B12 (downstairs). PROVIDE PEST CONTROL.
There shall be no fly or mosquito breeding places, rodent harborages, or undrained areas on the premises. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (a).
Sep 25, 2015 91 / 100 · 4 violations
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −35
-Repeat Non-Compliance: Observed pink and black buildup collecting around the sink drains in some of the classes.-Observed the sink faucet with a constant drip in B12.Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b).-Observed the soap dispensers broken in the upstairs restrooms.Soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices shall be provided. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (c).
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −15
Repeat Non-compliance: -Observed stained ceiling tiles in rooms B8 and C9.Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410.
#10 · SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL: Impervious, cleanable containers with lids, approved type 20*; clean and in good repair 20#; empties as needed, properly disposed of 40# (.2414) −10
Repeat Non-Compliance:-Observed dumpster lid open.-Observed cardboard boxes on the ground around the dumpster.Impervious, cleanable containers with lids, approved by the Department, shall be provided for the storage of solid waste. 15A NCAC 18A .2414 (a).
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Repeat Non-Compliance: Observed aerosol disinfectant spray in B12, super glue tubes and disinfectant wipes in B14, a plugin in C9, and paint cans in C6 stored unlocked and within reach of the children.Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).Mr. Jeff Cox present during the inspection.Inspection Report emailed to jeffery.cox@cms.k12.nc.us
Nov 12, 2014 91 / 100 · 5 violations
#3 · DRINKING FOUNTAINS: Clean and in good repair 40#; adequate pressure, properly regulated 40# (.2406) −20
-Observed pink buildup collecting on and/or around the nozzle of the water fountains.-GENERAL COMMENT: Observed water fountain with low pressure across from B13.Drinking fountains shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCC 18A .2406 (b).Drinking fountains shall be provided with adequate water pressure and be properly regulated (i.e. water pressure should be regulated so that an individual’s mouth does not come in contact with the nozzle and so that the water does not splash on the floor). 15A NCAC 18A 2406 (b).
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −15
Repeat Non-Compliance: Observed pink buildup collecting around the sink drains in the classes.Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b).
#6 · FLOORS: WALLS: AND CEILINGS: Floors, walls, and ceilings clean and in good repair 30# (.2410) −15
-Observed stained ceiling tiles in 'A' Hall and rooms C10& C4.-Observed missing ceiling tiles in the media center storage room.Floors, walls, and ceilings of all areas shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2410.
#10 · SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL: Impervious, cleanable containers with lids, approved type 20*; clean and in good repair 20#; empties as needed, properly disposed of 40# (.2414) −10
-Observed dumpster lid open.-Observed excessive garbage on the ground behind the dumpster.Impervious, cleanable containers with lids, approved by the Department, shall be provided for the storage of solid waste. 15A NCAC 18A .2414 (a).
#11 · PREMISES: MISCELLANEOUS: Premises neat, clean 30#; no vector breeding or harborage 20#; pesticides and other toxic materials properly handled and stored 30* (.2415) −30
Observed disinfectant wipes and/or cleaners stored unlocked within reach of the children in B11, B16, and C4.Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).Mr. Jeff Cox present during the inspection.Inspection Report emailed to jeffery.com@cms.k12.nc.us
Mar 27, 2014 91.5 / 100 · 3 violations
Inspector comments: Mr. Jeff Cox present during inspection.GC #3: Observed scale build-up on water fountains.**Drinking fountains shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2406 (b).GC #11: Observed child's medication not locked and not on a high shelf, B8. One unlabeled spray bottle in janitor's closet.**Pesticides and other toxic materials shall be used as directed on the label and handled and stored as to avoid health hazards. 15A NCAC 18A .2415 (b).
#4 · TOILET FACILITIES: Walls and ceilings clean, nonabsorbent, washable, and in good repair 30#; fixtures clean and in good repair 40#; floors impervious, kept clean 30# (.2408) −30
Observed damaged floor in boys modular bathroom. Observed puddles of urine in boys modular bathroom. Boys bathrooms with strong urine smell. Walls in bathrooms need wiping down particularly near soap dispensers. **Walls and ceilings of toilet facilities shall be constructed of non-absorbent, washable materials and shall be kept clean. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (b). **Floors of toilet facilities shall be impervious and kept clean. 15A NCAC 18A .2408 (c).
#5 · LAVATORY FACILITIES: Fixtures clean and in good repair 30#; soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices provided 40# (.2409) −35
Observed sinks with residue build-up in B14, A1. No soap or paper towels in girl's modular bathroom. No soap in A1. No paper towels in C13. **Fixtures shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (b). **Soap and individual towels or approved hand-drying devices shall be provided. 15A NCAC 18A .2409 (c).
#8 · LIGHTING AND VENTILATION: Fixtures, grills, vents, blinds, drapes, etc., clean and in good repair 40# (.2412) −20
Observed dead insects in light fixtures, several areas.**All windows and fixtures (grills, vents, blinds, drapes, lighting fixtures, etc.) shall be kept clean and in good repair. 15A NCAC 18A .2412 (b).
Source: Mecklenburg County Public Health – Environmental Health public inspection portal (search for “STERLING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL” or State ID 2060440292). Inspection type (routine vs. follow-up) is not published in the county's data.